Rules
Photographer of the Year Championship — Q4 2025
Official Rules
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1. TERM
The 2025 Photographer of the Year Championship consists of two (2) separate contests:
Contest 1 begins November TBA, 2025 at 12:01 AM EDT and ends November TBA, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
Contest 2 begins December TBA, 2025 at 12:01 AM EST and ends December TBA, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
(each a “Contest” and collectively the “Contests”).
All entries must be received by the respective entry deadlines. This is a skill-based contest.
2. ELIGIBILITY
The Caribbean Photo Contest is open to legal residents worldwide who meet the age requirements for their selected category at the time of entry.
General (18+) — Ages 18+ not entering as students or professionals.
Professional (21+) — Ages 21+ who earn income from photography or have advanced professional skill.
College Creator (18–30) — Students ages 18–30 currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
Emerging Creator (13–17) — Young visual artists ages 13–17.
Employees, officers, directors, and immediate family members of the contest organizer, sponsors, affiliates, or their advertising/promotional agencies are not eligible to participate. Contest is void where prohibited by law.
3. HOW TO ENTER / SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Eligible entrants may submit entries during the official entry periods at the designated contest portal.
Each entry must be original work created by the entrant, free of watermarks, logos, or identifying marks.
Images must be submitted as high-resolution JPEG or PNG files, maximum 25 MB each.
AI-generated or AI-altered imagery is not permitted.
Each image must include a title, location captured, and short description.
Entrants may purchase and submit multiple entries.
Entry Tiers
Entrants may select from the following paid entry tiers. Each tier determines how many images can be submitted and includes bonus entries into the concurrent sweepstakes.
TIER 1 – EXPLORER — $35
• Submit up to–5 images
• 1 Bonus Sweepstakes Entry
• Standard Contest EligibilityTIER 2 – ENTHUSIAST — $45
• Submit up to 10 images
• 2 Bonus Sweepstakes Entries
• Additional exposure opportunities in Teen Contest promotionsTIER 3 – VISIONARY — $65
• Submit up to 15 images
• 3 Bonus Sweepstakes Entries
• Priority review by the Teen Contest PanelTIER 4 – MASTER — $100
• 5 Submissions (up to 25 images)
• 5 Bonus Sweepstakes Entries
• Full Creative Showcase (Dedicated sponsor feature + homepage spotlight)
Note: Each tier constitutes a single contest entry. Entrants may purchase and submit multiple tiers if desired.
4. CONTEST STRUCTURE & PRIZE ELIGIBILITY
The Caribbean Photo Contest consists of multiple contest categories designed to ensure fair competition among participants of similar experience levels. In 2025, these categories will run during two dedicated competition windows in Q4 2025 under the official theme:
“Through My Lens: A World of Stories.”
Contest Categories
General (18+)
Professional (21+)
College Creator (18–30)
Emerging Creator (13–17)
5. JUDGING & WINNER SELECTION
Phase 1: Public Voting Period
After the submission period ends, all eligible entries will be displayed in a public online gallery.
Members of the public will be invited to vote for their favorite entries. Public voting helps surface standout entries and build excitement but does not solely determine winners.
Phase 2: Panel Judging
After public voting concludes, a panel of esteemed judges from the photographic arts community will review all eligible entries.
Judges will evaluate submissions based on:
Creativity & Originality (50%) — Originality of concept and creative approach to the theme
Technical Quality & Execution (50%) — Mastery of exposure, focus, composition, lighting, and overall technique
Judges will select:
One (1) winner from each category (Best in General, Best in Professional, Best in College Creator, Best in Emerging Creator)
Additional finalists and honorable mentions as determined by the panel
6. CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND JUDGING
Each contest will produce four Category Winners — one from each category. These eight (8) finalists will be celebrated as the top performers of the year.
From within each contest’s four category winners, the judging panel will then select:
One (1) Grand Prize Winner from Contest 1
One (1) Grand Prize Winner from Contest 2
These two (2) Grand Prize Winners will each receive:
The title Caribbean Photo Contest Photographer of the Year (Contest 1 / Contest 2)
An exclusive invitation to compete in the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational (launching 2027)
A professional portfolio review during the Invitational by a panel of esteemed industry judges
Note: Only the two Grand Prize Winners advance to the Invitational for portfolio review. The other six category winners are celebrated and awarded but do not advance.
7. PRIZES & APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE (ARV)
Grand Prize (2 total): Artist-in-Residency package and travel experience (ARV $7,500 each), portfolio review, and global media features.
Category Winners (8 total): Featured placement on CPC platforms, digital press kit inclusion, and sponsor gift package (ARV $500 each).
Honorable Mentions: Public recognition and CPC feature (no cash value).
Prizes are non-transferable and may not be substituted except at the sole discretion of the organizer.
8. NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS & VERIFICATION
Potential winners will be notified via email within ten (10) days of the close of each contest. Winners must respond within seven (7) days and may be required to complete an affidavit of eligibility, release of liability, and publicity release. Failure to respond or comply may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.
9. LICENSE, RIGHTS GRANTED, AND PUBLICITY RELEASE
By entering, each entrant grants the organizer and its affiliates a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display the submitted images for contest promotion, exhibition, and marketing purposes, with credit to the entrant. Entrants consent to the use of their name, likeness, and biographical information in promotional materials without compensation.
10. GENERAL CONDITIONS
The organizer reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest if fraud, technical failures, or other factors beyond its control compromise the integrity of the contest. The organizer is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, or misdirected entries. Decisions of the judges and organizer are final and binding.
11. PRIVACY & DATA PROTECTION
Personal information collected from entrants will be used solely for the administration of the contest and in accordance with the organizer’s Privacy Policy. Data will not be sold or shared with third parties except as necessary to administer the contest.
12. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION
All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, U.S.A., without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules.
13. SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM DISCLAIMER
The Caribbean Photo Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or Google. You understand that you are providing your information to the contest organizers and not to any social media platform.
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND JUDGING
Each contest will produce four Category Winners — one from each category. These eight (8) finalists will be celebrated as the top performers of the year.
From within each contest’s four category winners, the judging panel will then select:
One (1) Grand Prize Winner from Contest 1
One (1) Grand Prize Winner from Contest 2
These two (2) Grand Prize Winners will each receive:
The title Caribbean Photo Contest Photographer of the Year (Contest 1 / Contest 2)
An exclusive invitation to compete in the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational (launching 2027)
A professional portfolio review during the Invitational by a panel of esteemed industry judges
Note: Only the two Grand Prize Winners advance to the Invitational for portfolio review. The other six category winners are celebrated and awarded but do not advance.
GENERAL
Caribbean Photo Contest: Photographer of the Year Championship – Q4 2025 Official Rules
For the General Entry Category
TERM
The 2025 Photographer of the Year Championship consists of two (2) separate Q4 contests open to the General category:
Contest 1 (General Category): Begins November TBA, 2025, at 12:01:00 AM U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and ends November TBA, 2025, at 11:59:00 PM U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Contest 2 (General Category): Begins December TBA, 2025, at 12:01:00 AM U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and ends December TBA, 2025, at 11:59:00 PM U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
(the “Contests”)
All entries must be received by the respective Entry Deadlines. By submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to the Official Rules and warrants that their submission follows all requirements set out herein. This is a skill-based contest and chance plays no part in the determination of winners.
WHO MAY ENTER (GENERAL CATEGORY)
The General category is open to any living visual artist and photo enthusiast, 18 years of age or older at the time of entry, from any country. This category is for everyone, from dedicated hobbyists to seasoned artists, who are not entering as students (Emerging or College Creator categories) or professionals (Professional category). Entrants must meet all other eligibility requirements in these Official Rules.
THE 2025 THEME: Through My Lens: A World of Stories
We are looking for powerful visual storytellers. Show us a moment, a culture, a landscape, or a portrait that tells a compelling story from your corner of the world. Your unique perspective is what we want to see.
HOW TO ENTER
Purchase is necessary to enter this contest.
FOUR EASY STEPS: 1 — REGISTER, 2 — ONLINE ENTRY FORM, 3 — PAYMENT, 4 — UPLOAD
Each Entry consists of an entry form, a single image or series of images, and an entry fee. To enter, visit caribbeanphotocontest.com to complete an entry form with the required information, including your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, selected entry category (General), and photo caption; and submit along with your fee and photograph in accordance with the instructions that follow.
ENTRY FEES FOR GENERAL CATEGORY
Standard Entry Fees
Single Image: $25.00 USD
Series (2 to 5 images): $35.00 USD
Early Bird Entry Fees
Contest 1 Early Bird (TBD, 2025): Single Image: $20.00 USD | Series: $30.00 USD
Contest 2 Early Bird (TBD, 2025): Single Image: $20.00 USD | Series: $30.00 USD
All Entrants must include the appropriate entry fee payable in U.S. currency. There is no limit on the number of entries per person in the General category.
PAYMENT METHODS
Online Only – Major Credit or Debit Card, Stripe, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, Cashapp
CONTEST PRIZES FOR GENERAL CATEGORY WINNER
Category Prize & Championship Finalist Status
One (1) Winner will be awarded in the General category for each contest (Contest 1 and Contest 2). Each General Category Winner will receive:
-A trip to Saint Lucia
-Their winning image or images will be featured on the CPC website, newsletter, and social media.
-Advancement as a Finalist for the ultimate Photographer of the Year title.
The trip includes five (5)-day four (4)-nights’ accommodation in Saint Lucia which includes ground transportation between the airport and hotel; round-trip airfare from a major airport in the contiguous United States; and meals and other items as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Travel must be completed on dates specified by the Sponsor for the Invitational in 2026. The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the trip is US $6,250.
The Ultimate Prize: Photographer of the Year
One (1) overall winner will be selected from the Championship Finalists (including the two General category winners) to receive the career-defining package:
$5,000 USD Cash Prize
An all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational
A featured solo virtual exhibition on our platform
The prestigious Photographer of the Year title & trophy
JUDGING PROCESS FOR GENERAL CATEGORY
The Caribbean Photo Contest follows a two-tiered voting process to determine the winners.
First Round: Public Voting
For Contest 1: No Public Voting This Cycle
For Contest 2: No Public Voting This Cycle
All eligible General category entries are open for public voting. The most popular entries, based on public votes, advance to the next round.
Second Round: Judges’ Panel Evaluation
For Contest 1: December TBA, 2025
For Contest 2: January TBA, 2026
A panel of expert judges in photography (the “Judges”) will review the finalist entries from the General category and others.
Each entry will be evaluated using the following Judging Criteria: Creativity (50%) and Photographic Quality (50%).
Judges will select one (1) General Category Winner from each contest.
CONDITIONS
THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Entrants agree that this Contest shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey and the forum for any dispute shall be in the State of New Jersey, United States of America. To the extent permitted by law, the right to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to make any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded and any entrant expressly waives any and all such rights. Certain restrictions may apply. Entries void if the Sponsor determines the photograph to not be original, or if the entries are illegible, incomplete, damaged, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error or obtained through fraud or theft.
By entering, entrants also agree (a) to be bound by these Official Rules; (b) that the decisions of the Judges are final and binding with respect to all matters relating to the Contest; and (c) if the entrant wins, that Sponsor may use the winning photographs and each winner’s name, photograph, likeness, and/or voice in any publicity or advertising relating to the Contest or future promotions without compensation or approval (except where prohibited by law). All federal, state/provincial/territorial, and local taxes, fees and surcharges and taxes (whether foreign or domestic, and including income, sales, and import taxes) on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winners. Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, including income and withholding taxes. All taxes related to a prize are the winner’s sole responsibility. In the event that the selected winner(s) of any prize is/are ineligible, cannot be traced or do not respond within 10 days to a winner notification as required by the “Contest Prizes” Rules above, or refuses the prize, the prize will be forfeited and Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may choose whether to award the prize to another entrant.
The Sponsor reserves the right to verify the validity and originality of any entry and/or entrant (including an entrant’s identity and address) and to disqualify any entrant who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Official Rules or who tampers with the entry process. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS
General Category Winners will be notified via email and on the CPC website at caribbeanphotocontest.com within 3 weeks of their respective contest’s conclusion (By December TBA, 2025 for Contest 1; By January TBA, 2026 for Contest 2). The Photographer of the Year will be crowned at the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
By participating, entrants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless Caribbean Photo Contest LLC, and each of their respective partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, agents and their employees, officers, directors, and representatives from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Contest or any Contest-related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder.
DATA PRIVACY
Entrants agree that personal data, especially name and address, may be processed, shared, and otherwise used for the purposes and within the context of the Contest and any other purposes outlined in these Official Rules. The data will be used by Sponsor and its affiliates exclusively for the purposes stated herein, in accordance with its Privacy Statement at https://capturecaribbean.com/privacy and applicable New Jersey law.
EMERGING CREATOR
Caribbean Photo Contest: Photographer of the Year Championship – Q4 2025 Official Rules
For the “Emerging Creator (Ages 13-17)” Entry Category
TERM
The 2025 Photographer of the Year Championship consists of two (2) separate Q4 contests open to the Emerging Creator category:
- Contest 1 (Emerging Creator Category): Begins November TBA, 2025, at 12:01:00 AM US Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and ends November TBA, 2025, at 11:59:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Contest 2 (Emerging Creator Category): Begins December TBA, 2025, at 12:01:00 AM US Eastern Standard Time (EST) and ends December TBA, 2025, at 11:59:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time (EST).
(the “Contests”).
All entries must be received by the respective Entry Deadlines. By submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to the Official Rules and warrants that their submission follows all requirements set out herein. This is a skill-based contest and chance plays no part in the determination of winners.
WHO MAY ENTER (EMERGING CREATOR CATEGORY)
The Emerging Creator category is open to any living young visual artist and photo enthusiast. Entrants must be at least 13 years of age on November TBA, 2025 (the date Contest 1 begins) and no older than 17 years of age by December TBA, 2025 (the date Contest 2 ends). The contest helps young photographers grow and flourish into the next stages of their careers. Judges are looking for good composition, creativity, and clear photographs. Judging will be based on a single image or a series of images depending on the submission entry.
VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
THE 2025 THEME: Through My Lens: A World of Stories
We are looking for powerful visual storytellers. Show us a moment, a culture, a landscape, or a portrait that tells a compelling story from your corner of the world. Your unique perspective is what we want to see.
HOW TO ENTER
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS CONTEST.
FOUR EASY STEPS: 1- REGISTER, 2- ONLINE ENTRY FORM, 3- PAYMENT (IF APPLICABLE), 4-UPLOAD:
Each Entry consists of an entry form and a single image or series of images.
- First Entry → FREE
- Additional Entries (up to a total of 5 images per entrant) – $15.00 USD
To enter, visit caribbeanphotocontest.com to complete an entry form with the required information, including your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, a parent or legal guardian’s email address, selected entry category (Emerging Creator), and photo caption; and submit along with your photograph (and fee, if applicable) in accordance with the instructions that follow.
ENTRY FEES FOR EMERGING CREATOR CATEGORY
Pricing Structure:
- First Entry: FREE
- Additional Entries (up to 5 images total per entrant): $15.00 USD
All Entrants must include the appropriate entry fee payable in U.S. currency for any additional entries beyond the first free submission.
PAYMENT METHODS (For Additional Entries)
Online Only – Major Credit or Debit Card, Stripe, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, Cashapp
CONTEST PRIZES FOR EMERGING CREATOR CATEGORY WINNER
Category Prize & Championship Finalist Status
One (1) Winner will be awarded in the Emerging Creator category for each contest (Contest 1 and Contest 2). Each Emerging Creator Category Winner will receive:
- A trip to Saint Lucia to compete in the Championship Round at the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational.
- Their winning image or images will be featured on the CPC website, newsletter, and social media.
- Advancement as a Finalist for the ultimate Photographer of the Year title.
The trip includes five (5)-day four (4) nights’ accommodation in Saint Lucia which includes ground transportation between the airport and hotel; round-trip airfare from a major airport in the contiguous United States for the winner and one parent/legal guardian; and meals and other items as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Travel must be completed on dates specified by the Sponsor for the Invitational in 2026. The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the trip is US $6,250.
The Ultimate Prize: Photographer of the Year
One (1) overall winner will be selected from the Championship Finalists (including the two Emerging Creator category winners) to receive the career-defining package:
- $5,000 USD Cash Prize
- An all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational
- A featured solo virtual exhibition on our platform
- The prestigious Photographer of the Year title & trophy
JUDGING PROCESS FOR EMERGING CREATOR CATEGORY
The Caribbean Photo Contest follows a two-tiered voting process to determine the winners:
The First Round consists of Public Voting. Public Voting Periods:
For Contest 1: No Public Voting This Cycle
For Contest 2: No Public Voting This CycleSecond Round: Judges’ Panel Evaluation
For Contest 1: December TBA, 2025
For Contest 2: January TBA, 2026
A panel of expert judges in photography (the “Judges”) will review the finalist entries from the Emerging Creator category and others.
Each entry will be evaluated using the following Judging Criteria: Creativity (50%) Photographic Quality (50%)
Judges will select one (1) Emerging Creator Category Winner from each contest.
CONDITIONS (Revised for New Jersey Law)
THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Entrants agree that this Contest shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey and the forum for any dispute shall be in the State of New Jersey, United States of America. To the extent permitted by law, the right to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to make any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded and any entrant expressly waives any and all such rights. Certain restrictions may apply. Entries void if the Sponsor determines the photograph to not be original, or if the entries are illegible, incomplete, damaged, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error or obtained through fraud or theft.
By entering, entrants also agree (a) to be bound by these Official Rules; (b) that the decisions of the Judges are final and binding with respect to all matters relating to the Contest; and (c) if the entrant wins, that Sponsor may use the winning photographs and each winner’s name, photograph, likeness, and/or voice in any publicity or advertising relating to the Contest or future promotions without compensation or approval (except where prohibited by law). All federal, state/provincial/territorial, and local taxes, fees and surcharges and taxes (whether foreign or domestic, and including income, sales, and import taxes) on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winners. Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, including income and withholding taxes. All taxes related to a prize are the winner’s sole responsibility. In the event that the selected winner(s) of any prize is/are ineligible, cannot be traced or do not respond within 10 days to a winner notification as required by the “Contest Prizes” Rules above, or refuses the prize, the prize will be forfeited and Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may choose whether to award the prize to another entrant.
The Sponsor reserves the right to verify the validity and originality of any entry and/or entrant (including an entrant’s identity and address) and to disqualify any entrant who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Official Rules or who tampers with the entry process. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS
Emerging Creator Category Winners will be notified via email and on the CPC website at caribbeanphotocontest.com within 3 weeks of their respective contest’s conclusion (By December TBA, 2025 for Contest 1; By January TBA, 2026 for Contest 2). The Photographer of the Year will be crowned at the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
By participating, entrants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless Caribbean Photo Contest LLC, and each of their respective partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, agents and their employees, officers, directors, and representatives from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Contest or any Contest-related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder.
DATA PRIVACY
Entrants agree that personal data, especially name and address, may be processed, shared, and otherwise used for the purposes and within the context of the Contest and any other purposes outlined in these Official Rules. The data will be used by Sponsor and its affiliates exclusively for the purposes stated herein, in accordance with its Privacy Statement at https://capturecaribbean.com/privacy and applicable New Jersey law.
COLLEGE CREATOR
Caribbean Photo Contest: Photographer of the Year Championship – Q4 2025 Official Rules
For the “College Creator” Entry Category
TERM
The 2025 Photographer of the Year Championship consists of two (2) separate Q4 contests open to the College Creator category:
- Contest 1 (College Creator Category): Begins November TBA, 2025, at 12:01:00 AM US Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and ends November TBA, 2025, at 11:59:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Contest 2 (College Creator Category): Begins December TBA, 2025, at 12:01:00 AM US Eastern Standard Time (EST) and ends December TBA, 2025, at 11:59:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time (EST).
(the “Contests”).
All entries must be received by the respective Entry Deadlines. By submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to the Official Rules and warrants that their submission follows all requirements set out herein. This is a skill-based contest and chance plays no part in the determination of winners.
WHO MAY ENTER (COLLEGE CREATOR CATEGORY)
The College Creator category is open to students 18-30 years old currently enrolled at an accredited college or university. This category is designed for those building a foundation for their creative future, regardless of their major. Entrants must be prepared to provide proof of current enrollment (e.g., student ID, transcript, or tuition receipt) upon request. Entrants must meet all other eligibility requirements in these Official Rules.
THE 2025 THEME: Through My Lens: A World of Stories
We are looking for powerful visual storytellers. Show us a moment, a culture, a landscape, or a portrait that tells a compelling story from your corner of the world. Your unique perspective is what we want to see.
HOW TO ENTER
Purchase is necessary to enter this contest.
FOUR EASY STEPS: 1- REGISTER, 2- ONLINE ENTRY FORM, 3- PAYMENT, 4-UPLOAD:
Each Entry consists of an entry form, a single image or series of images, and an entry fee. To enter, visit caribbeanphotocontest.com to complete an entry form with the required information, including your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, selected entry category (College Creator), and photo caption; and submit along with your fee and photograph in accordance with the instructions that follow.
ENTRY FEES FOR COLLEGE CREATOR CATEGORY
Standard Entry Fees:
- Single Image: $20.00 USD
- Series (2 to 5 images): $30.00 USD
Early Bird Entry Fees:
- Contest 1 Early Bird (TBD, 2025): Single Image: $15.00 USD | Series: $25.00 USD
- Contest 2 Early Bird (TBD, 2025): Single Image: $15.00 USD | Series: $25.00 USD
All Entrants must include the appropriate entry fee payable in U.S. currency. There is no limit on the number of entries per person in the College Creator category.
PAYMENT METHODS
Online Only – Major Credit or Debit Card, Stripe, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, Cashapp
CONTEST PRIZES FOR COLLEGE CREATOR CATEGORY WINNER
Category Prize & Championship Finalist Status
One (1) Winner will be awarded in the College Creator category for each contest (Contest 1 and Contest 2). Each College Creator Category Winner will receive:
- A trip to Saint Lucia to compete in the Championship Round at the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational.
- Their winning image or images will be featured on the CPC website, newsletter, and social media.
- Advancement as a Finalist for the ultimate Photographer of the Year title.
The trip includes five (5)-day four (4) nights’ accommodation in Saint Lucia which includes ground transportation between the airport and hotel; round-trip airfare from a major airport in the contiguous United States; and meals and other items as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Travel must be completed on dates specified by the Sponsor for the Invitational in 2026. The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the trip is US $6,250.
The Ultimate Prize: Photographer of the Year
One (1) overall winner will be selected from the Championship Finalists (including the two College Creator category winners) to receive the career-defining package:
- $5,000 USD Cash Prize
- An all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational
- A featured solo virtual exhibition on our platform
- The prestigious Photographer of the Year title & trophy
JUDGING PROCESS FOR COLLEGE CREATOR CATEGORY
The Caribbean Photo Contest follows a two-tiered voting process to determine the winners:
The First Round consists of Public Voting. Public Voting Periods:
For Contest 1: No Public Voting This Cycle
For Contest 2: No Public Voting This CycleSecond Round: Judges’ Panel Evaluation
For Contest 1: December TBA, 2025
For Contest 2: January TBA, 2026
A panel of expert judges in photography (the “Judges”) will review the finalist entries from the College Creator category and others.
Each entry will be evaluated using the following Judging Criteria: Creativity (50%) Photographic Quality (50%)
Judges will select one (1) College Creator Category Winner from each contest.
CONDITIONS (Revised for New Jersey Law)
THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Entrants agree that this Contest shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey and the forum for any dispute shall be in the State of New Jersey, United States of America. To the extent permitted by law, the right to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to make any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded and any entrant expressly waives any and all such rights. Certain restrictions may apply. Entries void if the Sponsor determines the photograph to not be original, or if the entries are illegible, incomplete, damaged, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error or obtained through fraud or theft.
By entering, entrants also agree (a) to be bound by these Official Rules; (b) that the decisions of the Judges are final and binding with respect to all matters relating to the Contest; and (c) if the entrant wins, that Sponsor may use the winning photographs and each winner’s name, photograph, likeness, and/or voice in any publicity or advertising relating to the Contest or future promotions without compensation or approval (except where prohibited by law). All federal, state/provincial/territorial, and local taxes, fees and surcharges and taxes (whether foreign or domestic, and including income, sales, and import taxes) on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winners. Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, including income and withholding taxes. All taxes related to a prize are the winner’s sole responsibility. In the event that the selected winner(s) of any prize is/are ineligible, cannot be traced or do not respond within 10 days to a winner notification as required by the “Contest Prizes” Rules above, or refuses the prize, the prize will be forfeited and Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may choose whether to award the prize to another entrant.
The Sponsor reserves the right to verify the validity and originality of any entry and/or entrant (including an entrant’s identity, address, and student status) and to disqualify any entrant who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Official Rules or who tampers with the entry process. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS
College Creator Category Winners will be notified via email and on the CPC website at caribbeanphotocontest.com within 3 weeks of their respective contest’s conclusion (By December TBA, 2025 for Contest 1; By January TBA, 2026 for Contest 2). The Photographer of the Year will be crowned at the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
By participating, entrants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless Caribbean Photo Contest LLC, and each of their respective partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, agents and their employees, officers, directors, and representatives from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Contest or any Contest-related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder.
DATA PRIVACY
Entrants agree that personal data, especially name and address, may be processed, shared, and otherwise used for the purposes and within the context of the Contest and any other purposes outlined in these Official Rules. The data will be used by Sponsor and its affiliates exclusively for the purposes stated herein, in accordance with its Privacy Statement at https://capturecaribbean.com/privacy and applicable New Jersey law.
PROFESSIONAL
Caribbean Photo Contest: Photographer of the Year Championship – Q4 2025 Official Rules
For the “Professional” Entry Category
TERM
The 2025 Photographer of the Year Championship consists of two (2) separate Q4 contests open to the Professional category:
Contest 1 (Professional Category): Begins Begins November TBA, 2025, at 12:01:00 AM US Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and ends November TBA, 2025, at 11:59:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Contest 2 (Professional Category): Begins December TBA, 2025, at 12:01:00 AM US Eastern Standard Time (EST) and ends December TBA, 2025, at 11:59:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time (EST).
(the “Contests”).
All entries must be received by the respective Entry Deadlines. By submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to the Official Rules and warrants that their submission follows all requirements set out herein. This is a skill-based contest and chance plays no part in the determination of winners.
WHO MAY ENTER (PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY)
The Professional category is open to photographers and visual artists 21 years of age or older at the time of entry who derive a significant portion of their income from their craft or possess an advanced, professional skill level. Entrants must be prepared to provide proof of professional status (e.g., business license, tax documents, client list, or portfolio) upon request. Your work will be judged against the highest standards of the industry. Entrants must meet all other eligibility requirements in these Official Rules.
THE 2025 THEME: Through My Lens: A World of Stories
We are looking for the world’s most powerful visual storytellers. Show us a moment, a culture, a landscape, or a portrait that tells a compelling story from your corner of the world. Your unique perspective is what we want to see. The most powerful story wins the ultimate prize.
HOW TO ENTER
Purchase is necessary to enter this contest.
FOUR EASY STEPS: 1- REGISTER, 2- ONLINE ENTRY FORM, 3- PAYMENT, 4-UPLOAD:
Each Entry consists of an entry form, a single image or series of images, and an entry fee. To enter, visit caribbeanphotocontest.com to complete an entry form with the required information, including your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, selected entry category (Professional), and photo caption; and submit along with your fee and photograph in accordance with the instructions that follow.
ENTRY FEES FOR PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
Standard Entry Fees:
Single Image: $35.00 USD
Series (2 to 5 images): $50.00 USD
Early Bird Entry Fees:
Contest 1 Early Bird (TBD, 2025): Single Image: $30.00 USD | Series: $45.00 USD
Contest 2 Early Bird (TBD, 2025): Single Image: $30.00 USD | Series: $45.00 USD
All Entrants must include the appropriate entry fee payable in U.S. currency. There is no limit on the number of entries per person in the Professional category.
PAYMENT METHODS
Online Only – Major Credit or Debit Card, Stripe, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, Cashapp
CONTEST PRIZES FOR PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY WINNER
Category Prize & Championship Finalist Status
One (1) Winner will be awarded in the Professional category for each contest (Contest 1 and Contest 2). Each Professional Category Winner will receive:
A trip to Saint Lucia to compete in the Championship Round at the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational.
Their winning image or images will be featured on the CPC website, newsletter, and social media.
Advancement as a Finalist for the ultimate Photographer of the Year title.
The trip includes five (5)-day four (4) nights’ accommodation in Saint Lucia which includes ground transportation between the airport and hotel; round-trip airfare from a major airport in the contiguous United States; and meals and other items as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Travel must be completed on dates specified by the Sponsor for the Invitational in 2026. The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the trip is US $6,250.
The Ultimate Prize: Photographer of the Year
One (1) overall winner will be selected from the Championship Finalists (including the two Professional category winners) to receive the career-defining package:
$5,000 USD Cash Prize
An all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational
A featured solo virtual exhibition on our platform
The prestigious Photographer of the Year title & trophy
JUDGING PROCESS FOR PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
The Caribbean Photo Contest follows a two-tiered voting process to determine the winners:
The First Round consists of Public Voting. Public Voting Periods:
For Contest 1: No Public Voting This Cycle
For Contest 2: No Public Voting This CycleSecond Round: Judges’ Panel Evaluation
For Contest 1: December TBA, 2025
For Contest 2: January TBA, 2026
A panel of expert judges in photography (the “Judges”) will review the finalist entries from the Professional category and others.
Each entry will be evaluated using the following Judging Criteria: Creativity (50%) and Technical Excellence (50%)
Judges will select one (1) Professional Category Winner from each contest.
CONDITIONS (Revised for New Jersey Law)
THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Entrants agree that this Contest shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey and the forum for any dispute shall be in the State of New Jersey, United States of America. To the extent permitted by law, the right to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to make any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded and any entrant expressly waives any and all such rights. Certain restrictions may apply. Entries void if the Sponsor determines the photograph to not be original, or if the entries are illegible, incomplete, damaged, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error or obtained through fraud or theft.
By entering, entrants also agree (a) to be bound by these Official Rules; (b) that the decisions of the Judges are final and binding with respect to all matters relating to the Contest; and (c) if the entrant wins, that Sponsor may use the winning photographs and each winner’s name, photograph, likeness, and/or voice in any publicity or advertising relating to the Contest or future promotions without compensation or approval (except where prohibited by law). All federal, state/provincial/territorial, and local taxes, fees and surcharges and taxes (whether foreign or domestic, and including income, sales, and import taxes) on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winners. Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, including income and withholding taxes. All taxes related to a prize are the winner’s sole responsibility. In the event that the selected winner(s) of any prize is/are ineligible, cannot be traced or do not respond within 10 days to a winner notification as required by the “Contest Prizes” Rules above, or refuses the prize, the prize will be forfeited and Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may choose whether to award the prize to another entrant.
The Sponsor reserves the right to verify the validity and originality of any entry and/or entrant (including an entrant’s identity, address, and professional status) and to disqualify any entrant who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Official Rules or who tampers with the entry process. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS
Professional Category Winners will be notified via email and on the CPC website at caribbeanphotocontest.com within 3 weeks of their respective contest’s conclusion (By December TBA, 2025 for Contest 1; By January TBA, 2026 for Contest 2). The Photographer of the Year will be crowned at the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
By participating, entrants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless Caribbean Photo Contest LLC, and each of their respective partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, agents and their employees, officers, directors, and representatives from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Contest or any Contest-related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder.
DATA PRIVACY
Entrants agree that personal data, especially name and address, may be processed, shared, and otherwise used for the purposes and within the context of the Contest and any other purposes outlined in these Official Rules. The data will be used by Sponsor and its affiliates exclusively for the purposes stated herein, in accordance with its Privacy Statement at https://capturecaribbean.com/privacy and applicable New Jersey law.